Most Rev Prof Johnson K Asamoah-Gyadu is the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church
The Methodist Church Ghana has responded to reports of a Supreme Court case filed against Wesley Girls’ High School (WGHS), stating it is taking steps to secure official court documents and will defend its interests fully.
In a press release issued on Friday, November 28, and signed by Presiding Bishop Most Rev Prof Johnson K Asamoah-Gyadu, the church said it had been informed through the media of a pending suit titled Shafic Osman v The Board of Governors, Attorney-General & Ghana Education Service.
While not formally notified, the church said it is moving swiftly to obtain the records.
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“We are taking steps to obtain the official records of all proceedings to enable our legal team to take the necessary action to protect the church’s interests,” the statement said.
Addressing claims that WGHS discriminates against students of other faiths, the church firmly rejected the allegations, highlighting the school’s inclusive approach since its founding in 1836 by Harriet Wrigley.
According to the church, the school has educated students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, including Methodists, Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims, Eckists, Buddhists, Hindus, Atheists, Agnostics, Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, and many others who have contributed meaningfully to society.
“The Methodist Church Ghana considers discrimination to be fundamentally inconsistent with Christian teaching, and therefore incompatible with our mission,” the statement indicated.
The church reminded the public that government support for mission schools since the early 1960s has never altered their character, and WGHS continues to operate within its Methodist identity as permitted by the 1992 Constitution.
Students are only required to respect the school’s traditions and adhere to its established framework, which promotes unity, discipline, academic excellence, and shared experience.
The church warned that creating separate systems for students of different faiths would fragment the school community.
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It cited the April 15, 2024 Memorandum of Understanding facilitated by the National Peace Council, which sets guidelines for peaceful coexistence in mission schools, and stated it has fully adhered to the agreement.
The church thanked the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Christian Council of Ghana, and the Anglican Church for their public support, reaffirming its commitment to peace, dialogue, and collaboration among all faiths.
“Our treasured Wesleyan heritage admits of no discrimination whatsoever, and we have always shown respect for other traditions and faiths,” the statement concluded.
Read the full statement below:
MRA/AE
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